English IV Honors

Mrs. Maynard
Syllabus

British/ World Literature

Course
OVERVIEW

The fourth and final year of English study sets students focus on British and World
Literature. The course runs in chronological order (for the most part) starting with
the very first works written in English and wrapping up around World War II. During
The second half of the course, students will read great works of World Literature and
mark the influence the British tradition has had on them. This extensive survey will
aid students in developing and refining skills including:
-Identifying, describing, and applying all conventions of standard English
-Describing historical changes in conventions for usage and grammar
-Analyzing and evaluating the logic and use of evidence in an authors argument
-Relating a literary work to the seminal ideas of its time

In addition to reveling in the most challenging literature they have worked with thus
far, students will be fully engaged in the writing process. They must be prepared for
writing on demand, informal writing, conducting research, employing
technology in writing, drafting, revising, peer editing and presenting their
work to an audience. As part of the study of British and World Literature, students
will find the relevance of classic, universal themes to their own lives. In doing so
they will have the opportunity to craft original and highly marketable college
admission essays, and they will pick up some valuable strategies for both SAT and
ACT exams.
GRADING

Assessment: will be frequent and varied. Students can expect more open
response style essay quizzes than in previous years. Whole class and small group
discussions will be graded. Surprise quizzes will be given at teacher discretion.
Written work must be neat and legible. Students will be asked to write a number of
essays of a varying degree of formality. Remember, grading is about receiving
credit for skills you have mastered, and learning about the areas you need
to improve! Categories are as follows:
Tests/ Projects/Formal Essays: 50%
Quizzes/ Informal Essays: 25%
Homework/ Class work: 20%
Participation: 5%
Course Grades: Please see the Student Handbook for a full explanation.
Semester 1 First Quarter: 20% Semester 2 Third Quarter: 20%
Second Quarter: 20%
Fourth Quarter: 20%
Mid Term Exam: 10%
Final Exam: 10%
Exam Exemptions: Students with a semester average of 90% or higher and
no unexcused absences will be exempt from mid term and/or final exams.
However, you may take the exam if you want. If you decide to take it, the exam
grade is final, even if it is detrimental to your course grade. Exams may also
significantly raise your grade as they are weighted quite heavily. (Tough decision!)
CLASSROOM POLICIES

Absences: Please refer to the Student Handbook for the policy regarding
unexcused and excused absences. Please note that the way you deal with
absences can affect your grade. This is outlined on the participation rubric.
Tardies: Four tardies are the equivalent of one unexcused absence. (More than one
unexcused absence means even if you have a 99% average you may not be exempt
from the exam. Yikes!)
Late Work: is not acceptable. I can only accept late work if the tardiness of the
work is due to an excused absence. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the
definition of an excused absence. If an extension is needed for a project or
formal essay, students must seek approval in person no less than 2 days
before the due date. All work must be handed in by its author in person. You may
not leave class or interrupt class to print work. Make arrangements ahead of
time.
Excused Absences: In the case of an excused absence, students are to initiate
necessary arrangements for missed work on the first day they return to class.
Please see me before or after school. You can also e-mail a classmate or me for
missed assignments.
Materials: You must bring a pen to class; you will also need a notebook.
Handouts should be hole-punched and maintained in your notebook. You should
also have a pencil for peer editing, white out (if you use it; I dont mind mild crossouts).
Computer/Internet: Computer and Internet access is required for this course. If
you know you will not have access at home, it is your responsibility to plan ahead
and be at school early or stay late. Many assignments will be due typed, as stated
before. Students will not be allowed to print their papers during class.
Books: All books must be covered and stored securely. Most books are currently in
excellent condition. Any damaged or lost books must be paid for before graduation.
Electronic Devices: IPods, cell phones, and other gadgets are not allowed in class
unless specifically indicated by the teacher. Use of devices during tests. Exams will
result in a zero. E-Books and readers are allowed in class but annotations for those
books must be completed in a notebook or on paper.
Signing In/Out: You must sign out of class every time you leave. Sign back in
when you re-enter. If you have to leave class during a test or quiz, I will ask that
you retake the test or quiz at a different time. Emergencies happen, but we have to
be fair to all students.
Plagiarism: will not be tolerated. More information is available in the Student
Handbook and we will discuss it many, many times.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
Class Participation: All students opinions welcomed and encouraged! All are
expected to contribute to our positive learning environment every day. Every
student will have the opportunity to read aloud, work in assigned groups, and
participate in class discussions.

Writing Assignments: This year emphasis will be placed on refinement of writing

skills with regard to critical essays. Revision and editing of your own work and the
work of your peers will be an important part of the process. Your ability to analyze
and provide support for an interpretation of complex literature will be further
expanded. This will help to prepare you for college. All essays are to be typed
and double spaced in a twelve-point font.
Reading Assignments: The material presented in this course will be quite
challenging. Reading assignments will be frequent and rigorous. You are
expected to keep notes, and write questions about all assigned reading.
You may be assessed by verbal questioning or during discussions. Not
understanding the material is not an option. This is an honors level course. You
need to find understanding when it does not present itself so easily to you.
Communication: My e-mail address is amaynard@bbrsd.org. I encourage students
and parents to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Please acknowledge you have read the syllabus by filling out and returning this
page only. Please share this document with your parents/guardians and keep the
syllabus for your records.
Student name_________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian name(s)_______________________________________________________

Home Phone Number______________________________________________

E-mail (if applicable)______________________________________________

Is there anything about the student that you feel I should know? (seating
preference, busy work schedule, allergic to homework, etc)

______________________________________

___________

Parent/ Guardian signature

______________________________________

Date

___________

Student signature

Date